For the week of April 12-16, Hotel News Now’s most-read stories include more details on Blackstone and Starwood Capital's deal to acquire Extended Stay America, improved hotel kiosk technology, and more.

Click on each headline below to read more.

Negotiations for the planned $6 billion acquisition of Extended Stay America by Starwood Capital Group and Blackstone date back as far as July 2017 when Starwood was considering a significantly higher offer.

The hotel industry has tried using check-in kiosks before with, at best, mixed results. However, with advances in technology and guests’ desire to minimize in-person contact, these kiosks could become a welcome part of the check-in experience.

With affiliated hotel real estate investment trust Service Properties Trust converting the majority of its hotel portfolio to Sonesta International brands, Sonesta President and CEO Carlos Flores discusses how his company has adapted during a period of unprecedented growth.